Kids Clubs vs. Adults Workshops: The Pros, Cons, and How to Decide

If you’re thinking about hosting craft workshops, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to focus on workshops for kids or adults. Both options offer unique benefits, but they also come with their own set of challenges.

In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between the two, so you can decide which one aligns with your skills, passion, and business goals.

CREATIVE ATMOSPHERE: PLAYFUL VS. RELAXING

One thing you’ll notice right away when running a kids’ workshop is the high-energy, playful environment. Kids bring tons of enthusiasm and creativity, often without any fear of messing up. It’s all about fun and exploration for them, and sometimes that means things get a little...chaotic!

On the other hand, adult workshops tend to be more laid-back. Adults usually come to unwind, tap into their creativity, and enjoy a calm, structured space. While kids love coloring outside the lines, adults might take their time, aiming for a more polished result. (I’ve noticed that most of my attendees come with their ideas already saved on their phone.)

Pro Tip: If you thrive in a high-energy setting and love guiding lots of little hands through a creative process, kids’ workshops might be your thing. But if you prefer a quieter, more methodical pace, adult workshops could be a better fit.

WORKSHOP STRUCTURE: ADAPTABILITY IS KEY

The way you structure your workshops will differ based on your audience. Kids? They need short, flexible workshops that let them explore freely and take breaks often. You’ll want lots of hands-on activities to keep them engaged.

For adults, you can go deeper with more complex techniques. Adults are usually more patient and enjoy following a step-by-step process. You can cover more ground in a single session, and they’ll appreciate clear instructions.

Pro Tip: If you enjoy quick, lighthearted projects, kids’ workshops will give you lots of chances to keep things fun. But if teaching advanced skills and offering in-depth learning experiences excite you, adult workshops might be your thing.

PRICING DIFFERENCES: KIDS VS. ADULTS

Let’s talk about pricing—because there’s often a noticeable gap between what you can charge for kids' workshops versus adults'. Parents tend to be more budget-conscious when signing their kids up for activities, especially if they have multiple children. So, kids’ workshops might need to be priced lower, but you can make up for it by hosting larger groups AND using simple and recyclable materials. 🤑 (For example, I use polymer clay scraps from the adults workshops for kids sessions! Kids don’t really care if the clay is not brand new… They sometimes even love the already mixed colours!)

On the flip side, adults often view workshops as a luxury experience or a way to invest in themselves. They’re willing to pay more for specialized or niche workshops that offer something valuable or relaxing. (So you’ll feel more on the hook to deliver a good experience).

Pro Tip: For kids’ workshops, keep prices family-friendly while marketing them as fun and accessible. For adults, feel confident charging more, especially if you’re offering something unique or high-quality.

MARKETING TIPS: REACHING PARENTS VS. ADULTS

Your marketing strategy will also depend on your audience!

When promoting kids’ workshops, you’ll want to target parents. Your messaging should highlight safety, fun, and learning. Social media platforms like Facebook and local community boards are great for reaching parents. 🧸

For adults, it’s more about self-care, creativity, and personal growth. It’s important to showcase the aesthetic and creative benefits of your workshops.

Pro Tip: Tailor your marketing to the audience. Parents want to know their kids will be safe and entertained, while adults are looking for a meaningful, rewarding experience.

SO THE QUESTION IS… WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

At the end of the day, whether you decide to host workshops for kids or adults depends on your personal preferences and strengths as a facilitator!

Kids' workshops are ideal if you enjoy high-energy, hands-on activities and want to offer short, engaging experiences. Adult workshops are perfect if you enjoy providing a calm, creative space where people can dive deep into a project and leave feeling accomplished.

Whatever you choose, both kids and adults bring their own unique magic to your workshops. And hey, why not try offering both? You might find that the variety keeps things exciting and opens up even more opportunities for your business!

Personally, I focus primarily on adult experiences. Why? You may ask…

At the end of the day, I know I can make more money with adult workshops. But every now and then, I host a kids workshop to make use of leftover materials and fill in dead spaces in the calendar!

Here’s a quick numbers breakdown 👇

Ready to host your own workshops, but not sure where to start?

Check out my free guide, "Your First Workshop" for step-by-step tips on creating workshops that sell out, whether they’re for kids or adults. Download your guide here!